Reality TV veteran Pete Wicks, best known for his stint on “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE), has opened up about a frightening accident that marred his Christmas Day celebrations in 2025. The 37-year-old star revealed on his podcast that he was knocked unconscious after a booze-fueled fall at home, smashing his head on a coffee table and suffering burns from nearby candles. The incident left him with significant facial injuries, forcing him to remain indoors for a full week until New Year’s Eve. Wicks shared the story during a candid episode of “Staying Relevant,” the popular podcast he co-hosts with close friend and fellow TV personality Sam Thompson, highlighting the vulnerabilities even celebrities face during the holiday season.

The mishap occurred on December 25, 2025, as Wicks was enjoying a quiet evening at his home in Essex. According to his account, he had been drinking when he lost his balance, leading to a hard fall. “I smashed my head on the coffee table,” Wicks recounted on the podcast. “I was unconscious. I woke up with Eric licking my face.” Eric, one of Wicks’ beloved French bulldogs, became an unlikely hero in the tale, rousing his owner from the blackout. Compounding the injury, candles on the table spilled hot wax across his eye, causing burns that removed skin from his entire eyelid and the area beneath it. The result was severe swelling and a pink, inflamed appearance that Wicks described as too embarrassing to venture outside. “My face was quite swollen and pink,” he added, explaining his self-imposed isolation from Christmas Day through December 31.

Medical details of the incident remain limited, as Wicks did not specify seeking professional treatment beyond self-care at home. Head injuries from falls, especially those involving loss of consciousness, can pose serious risks, including concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. Experts note that alcohol consumption exacerbates such dangers by impairing coordination and judgment. The NHS advises immediate medical attention for any head impact resulting in unconsciousness, but Wicks appears to have recovered without reported complications, emerging publicly in early 2026 with no visible lasting effects. His story drew parallels to other celebrity holiday mishaps, underscoring how festive indulgences can turn hazardous.

Wicks’ background adds layers to the narrative of a man accustomed to the spotlight’s highs and lows. Born Peter James Wicks on October 31, 1988, in Harlow, Essex, he grew up in a working-class family. Before fame, Wicks pursued a conventional career path, starting as an accountant at age 15 after dropping off resumes around town. “I became an accountant… then I became one and hated it,” he later reflected in interviews. He transitioned to a more lucrative role in the City of London, serving as a director for a company that supplied consultant doctors to the National Health Service (NHS). This corporate gig provided financial stability but lacked the excitement he craved.

His entry into reality TV came in 2015 when he joined TOWIE, ITV’s long-running series chronicling the lives of young Essex residents. Wicks quickly became a fan favorite for his rugged “bad boy” persona, complete with tattoos, a signature beard, and a penchant for dramatic relationships. His on-screen romances, including high-profile flings with co-stars like Megan McKenna and Chloe Sims, fueled major storylines and tabloid headlines. Over nine years on the show, Wicks appeared in over 200 episodes, evolving from a newcomer to a staple character known for his loyalty to friends and fiery temper. He left TOWIE in 2024 to pursue other ventures, but his reality TV resume expanded with appearances on “Celebs Go Dating,” “Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins,” and “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2024, where he impressed audiences with his dance skills despite early skepticism.

Beyond television, Wicks has built a brand around his love for animals and mental health advocacy. A devoted dog owner, he often features his French bulldogs, Eric and Peggy, on social media, and has collaborated with animal welfare organizations. His 2021 TOWIE special, “The Story of Pete Wicks,” delved into his early life, including the loss of his father at a young age and struggles with anxiety. Wicks has been open about therapy and the pressures of fame, using his platform to encourage men to discuss mental health. “I’ve had my ups and downs,” he said in a 2024 interview with Great British Life magazine, reflecting on his journey from corporate life to celebrity.

The podcast episode where Wicks revealed his Christmas accident was part of “Staying Relevant,” a weekly show he co-hosts with Sam Thompson. Launched in 2022, the podcast chronicles the duo’s “quest for fame,” sharing humorous anecdotes about public mishaps, failed brand deals, and celebrity life. It has garnered a loyal following, with episodes often topping charts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Recent installments include reflections on 2025 goals, holiday rants, and light-hearted debates, blending banter with personal insights. The show won an award in 2025, cementing its status as a hit in the UK entertainment scene. Thompson, a 33-year-old “Made in Chelsea” alum, brings his energetic personality to the mix, forming a dynamic contrast to Wicks’ more laid-back style.

During the same episode, Thompson shared his own health update, revealing a cyst on his vocal cords that requires surgical removal. Described by the NHS as non-malignant swellings from repeated vocal strain, such cysts are common among those who use their voice extensively, like podcasters or TV hosts. Thompson’s procedure will mandate three days of complete vocal rest to ensure proper healing. “I’ve got a cyst on my vocal cords,” he explained. “I’m having that taken out, which is going to be mad.” The surgery, scheduled for early 2026, comes amid Thompson’s busy career, including TV appearances and social media influencing.

Thompson also used the platform to confirm his budding romance with model and DJ Talitha Balinska, 25. The pair went public in late 2025, with Thompson gushing, “I’ve got a girlfriend! I wouldn’t be dating someone this amount of time if I didn’t think it had legs to last.” They became official in early December, spending Christmas together with Thompson’s family and attending events like a Chelsea FC match in matching jerseys. Balinska, known for her work in fashion and music, is Thompson’s first serious partner since his 2024 split from Zara McDermott, who has since been linked to singer Louis Tomlinson. A cryptic Instagram post from Thompson in early January—showing him alone with his cat—sparked breakup rumors, but he quickly dispelled them with a cozy selfie of the couple.

The relationship has been a bright spot for Thompson, who introduced Balinska to his inner circle, including Wicks. Sources describe the couple as “loved-up,” enjoying romantic dates like a screening of the new “Avatar” film in December. Balinska’s low-key profile complements Thompson’s public life, with the pair opting for privacy despite media interest. “They’re keeping it very private,” an insider told outlets, noting their chemistry since meeting in October.

Wicks’ accident story resonated with fans, eliciting a mix of concern and amusement on social media. Posts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram highlighted the “terrifying” yet “relatable” nature of the fall, with users sharing similar holiday blunders. “Pete Wicks shocks fans with details of terrifying fall,” read one headline, while others praised his honesty. No major backlash ensued, though it sparked discussions on alcohol safety during festivities. Similar incidents among celebrities—such as falls by other reality stars—remind that fame doesn’t shield from everyday perils.

As Wicks recovers and Thompson prepares for surgery, both continue to thrive in entertainment. “Staying Relevant” episodes like this one keep them connected to audiences, blending vulnerability with humor. For Wicks, the incident is a minor setback in a career marked by reinvention—from accountant to TV icon. With new projects on the horizon, including potential book deals and more podcast tours, the duo shows no signs of fading from the spotlight.

The holiday season, often idealized in media, proved unpredictable for these stars. Wicks’ tale serves as a cautionary reminder: even at home, celebrations can take unexpected turns. As 2026 unfolds, fans will watch for updates on their health and ventures.